im not expert... but just for comparison purposes. I also have an E6600 as well as a Zalman 9700LED.
I have the fanmate2 hooked up & set about 1/4 of the way (keeps it quiet). even with that low settting, my idle temps are around 19-20c. and load with my cpu at 3.0ghz, its typically around 30-32c.
i used Artic Silver 5 & used the method described on thier website (basicallly a thin line). I have an antec900 case with has good air flow... but i typically only use one of the front fans.. the exhaust fan is on low, and the "big boy" is set to 1/2 way.
hope that helps for comparison purposes... 38c idle seems really high.
perhaps try to re-install the zalman?
good luck.
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